I'm writing an article for our work newsletter about getting gardens ready for winter, especially focusing on tips for October. While I have some knowledge and a few practices from my own garden, I'd love to tap into the wisdom of fellow UK gardeners for additional tips and useful advice. What do you all typically do to prepare your gardens for the colder months? Thanks ahead for your insights!
1 Answer
Here are my tried-and-true tips for prepping your garden for winter:
1. Collect logs and branches for a cozy bonfire night.
2. Gather leaves to create compost and mulch.
3. Deadhead summer flowers, but leave those with interesting seed heads.
4. Save seeds from your favorite plants.
5. Give your lawn a final mow and ensure your mower is ready for spring.
6. Plant spring-flowering bulbs, and consider covering them with mulch and chili flakes to deter squirrels.
7. Fill up the bird feeders.
8. Harvest any fruit and maybe whip up some sloe gin!
9. Look for gaps in your borders where delicate plants didn’t survive, and plan for more drought-resistant options.
These are all fantastic suggestions! Your tips reminded me to mention planting crocus in the lawn for a splash of spring color. I did it for the first time this year, and it turned out beautifully!